FELLOWSHIPS

PAST:

Rex Twedt is a medical illustrator originally from Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Iowa State University, Rex worked as a QA Lab Technician at Cargill. He then returned to school, attending the University of Nebraska Omaha to begin his pursuit of medical illustration. During this time, Rex worked for the University of Nebraska Lincoln as a Game Designer/Programmer for two semesters, developing an educational game. In 2014, Rex received his Master of Science in Biomedical Visualization from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Rex's research focuses on how an augmented reality app can be developed as a learning tool, to teach students and the general public about human anatomy. He worked with the museum's anatomical data and content experts to create an augmented reality app for mobile platforms (IOS or Android). This anatomically themed app focuses on the skull and brain. 3D printed models were combined with an augmented reality target to create an interactive learning display for use in the museum's exhibit space. His fellowship began in fall 2014 and extends through 2015.

Heather Robbins earned a Master's degree in Museum and Exhibition Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago in May 2014. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in kinesiology. After working as a behavioral neuroscience researcher and lab manager, she began to explore her personal interest in art and art history, as well as her fascination with philosophies of technology and new media. She chose to pursue a degree in museum studies as it offered the opportunity to work in both the arts and sciences. Her past experience includes interning at the International Museum of Surgical Science, UIC's Gallery 400 and NMHM Chicago focusing primarily on exhibition development and grant writing.

During a six-month fellowship at The National Museum of Health + Medicine Chicago during 2014, she aimed to design and write educational content for a preliminary prototype of a smartphone/tablet application that would enhance visitor experience through meaningful engagement, encourage visitor participation, help the museum fulfill its mission and assist in making NMHM Chicago truly a museum without walls.